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Recon Recovery: Drains, drains, drains

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you who rooted me on pre-surgery and has sent me well wishes in many different forms post surgery. You all mean the world to me, and each and every one of your messages means the world to me. I actually keep screenshots of all of them. I know. I’m a nerd.

Also, a huge thank you to Glen, Loretta, Debbie, Krisan and my parents, Bill and Linda, for staying with our kids while we were gone. There is nothing like being able to have no worries about the kids while we were muddling through a rough week last week. We knew they were in good hands.

This surgery was tougher than my past surgeries. I don’t think I’m bouncing back quite as fast when it comes to energy. Most of the time, I just want to sit still and do nothing. But, I’m not 100-percent sure if not wanting to move is due to energy or the Pavlov response to the pain I feel from my drains every time I move.

These stupid drains. Honestly, the pain of them inside my body and outside (they are stitched to my skin so they don’t get pulled out) overshadows any surgical site pain by far. If I had to guess, I would say that 85 percent of my pain is coming from the drains.

So the big question is, when do they come out? All of that is based on how much output each drain has. I have six total drains. Four are on my right side and two are on my left.

On Monday, I get to have one of my left and one of my right removed. Both of these are draining from the breast area.

I’m hoping and praying that I can remove the other two breast drains by next Friday, but I’m not so sure it will happen. One of them has pretty high output. Cross your fingers for me, guys.

Unfortunately, my back drains are nowhere near coming out at this point.

I’m hanging in there, but I’m definitely ready to begin feeling normal. I hate that every single move I make hurts somewhere.

But, we are doing okay — hanging in there. We have amazing people who are bringing us meals every evening. That is such a HUGE help so thank you for that.

Hang in there, Hon!! You have been such a trooper!! Be kind to yourself and remember that just trying to stay “above the pain” is exhausting. You could run a marathon and not be as tired as dealing with constant pain will make you. Brighter days are ahead and you deserve every bit of sunshine that is coming your way. As always – you are in my constant prayers.
Love,
Judy
p.s. I’m going to see if I can find a tiny plunger to put on your prayer pillow to “fix” those drains and get them out!! 🙂

It has been a week since this post, and I pray that you are feeling much better and minimal pain, Jenny. May your healing continue, and whether slow or speedy, may you feel the thoughts and prayers of all who care about you.